McCann, Rose pose off-season questions

May 23, 2012|Reuters

The Sports Xchange

MLB Team Report - Atlanta Braves - INSIDE PITCH

The Braves have a 2013 option on catcher Brian McCann, which they will pick up. But things get tricky after that.

McCann was scratched from the lineup with flu-like symptoms Wednesday against the Reds, the second consecutive day that's happened. He hasn't had his usual year at the plate, although he is batting .324 (11 for 34) in his last nine games since May 11.

McCann has been working to find his stroke since the latter part of last season, when a strained left oblique kept him from swinging naturally. Other than his offense, he is prized by the Braves for the way he handles the pitching staff, which he has always said is his number one focus. His plate blocking on balls in the dirt and his throws to second attempting to put base-stealers out leave something to be desired. Both have improved somewhat over the last two seasons, thanks to the tutelage of backup catcher David Ross, who will be a free agent at the end of this season.

Ross, who says it's important to him not to be the weak link in the lineup when he starts, was 0 for 4 in Wednesday's 2-1 loss.

There are a couple of catchers coming up through the organization, notably 20-year-old Christian Bethancourt, who's currently batting .364. But he's at only Class AA Mississippi.

It's highly likely that Ross, 35, would sign a one-year deal for next season. Every time his name is mentioned, it's also mentioned that he could be the starting catcher on a lot of other clubs. But he likes being McCann's backup. He knows his offense wouldn't be as good if he played every day, and besides, he does a lot of things behind the scenes. He is, in fact, one of the clubhouse leaders, the one who has the inspirational T-shirts made and otherwise organizes the team.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez doesn't believe in personal catchers, per se, but pairing Ross with right-hander Tim Hudson, his old college teammate, has worked out well. And he is more aggressive with young pitchers than McCann is. As an example, if a pitcher's shoulder is flying open, McCann might wait a time or three and then go out to the mound to point it out. Ross will jump up from his crouch immediately and bang on his shoulder. And as long as the Braves are going to be relying on young pitchers, that's a good thing.

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MLB Team Report - Atlanta Braves - NOTES, QUOTES

--3B Chipper Jones took live batting practice, ran and fielded balls at third base before Wednesday's game against the Reds. Although he was not in the starting lineup, he was available to pinch hit, which he did with one on and two outs in the seventh inning. He drew a walk.

--C Brian McCann had to be scratched from the lineup with flu-like symptoms for the second consecutive day. He has batted .500 (9 for 18) with four home runs against Reds starting RHP Bronson Arroyo. During the game he was on the bench bundled in a jacket to help ward off the aches and chills.

--INF/OF Eric Hinske got the start in right field Wednesday, both to give RF Jason Heyward a start off, and because Hinske was 14 for 33 (.424) in previous at-bats against Reds starting RHP Bronson Arroyo. But he was 0 for 4 Wednesday.

--3B Juan Francisco was pulled aside by manager Fredi Gonzalez after he took a long, slow look at the home run he hit Monday night followed by a long, slow stroll around the bases. Gonzalez let him know that's not how the Braves do it. Gonzalez was hoping to have an opportunity to let Reds manager Dusty Baker know the matter had been addressed, but since Francisco came over from the Reds in a trade just before opening day, they presumably are familiar with Francisco's personality.

--RHP Tim Hudson, manager Fredi Gonzalez jokes, not only has a personal catcher in backup C David Ross, a former college teammate, but also has acquired a personal shortstop: SS Jack Wilson has been starting behind Hudson because of his defense. Hudson got 14 ground ball outs in his start against the Rays on Sunday.

BY THE NUMBERS: 16. Multi-hit games for INF/OF Martin Prado.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "They don't move (the walls) back when we come in here." -- Manager Fredi Gonzalez, meaning that the Braves could be taking advantage of the dimensions of Great American Ball Park as well as the Reds are.

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MLB Team Report - Atlanta Braves - ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--C Brian McCann (flu-like symptoms) did not play May 22-23. He is day-to-day.

--3B Chipper Jones (sore left leg) was hurt May 18, and he didn't play May 19-22, but he took batting practice and was available May 23.

--RHP Peter Moylan (right shoulder surgery in October 2011) was long-tossing as of mid-May. He might throw his first bullpen session in late May.

--RHP Arodys Vizcaino (Tommy John surgery in March 2012) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26. He is expected to miss the entire season.

--LHP Robert Fish (left elbow tendinitis) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26.